Measles outbreak looms as Pacific vaccination rates lag

Pacific families are being urged to vaccinate their children against measles.

Figures from last year put measles immunisation for Pacific toddlers at 81 per cent, well below the recommended 95 per cent level to stop an outbreak.

“It’s actually more contagious than Covid was,” says Southpoint Family Doctors GP Dr Hinamaha Lutui.

“So when it comes into your household, it will spread like wildfire if you’re not vaccinated.

“Some of the symptoms are very common: fever, mofi, runny nose, fofonu, cough, tale, red eyes, and the distinctive thing is the rash that starts from the top of your head going down your body.”

Up to a third of measles cases develop complications, and Lutui said infants and people with weakened immune symptoms are especially vulnerable.

“Some of the complications that people can have are things like ear infections, chest infections, pneumonia, diarrhoea.

“What we really worry about in our small babies and young children is swelling of the brain, that can lead to permanent brain damage.”

The measles (MMR) vaccination is administered in two doses at least four weeks apart, and is free up to the age of 18, and for some adults who are eligible.

Speaking to John Pulu on PMN Tonga, Lutui warned people with measles may have to isolate for up to two weeks.

“You're gonna have to let your family know that you're isolating, so if they are not vaccinated, they can't come into your household or you can't go out because it is highly contagious.”

Measles in infants can be life-threatening. Photo/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (DCD)

A Public Health Communication Centre briefing in February said New Zealand is “highly vulnerable” to a measles epidemic which could result in thousands of cases, along with potential deaths.

University of Otago Professor Michael Baker said urgent steps are needed to increase vaccination rates, especially Pacific and Māori children and those in deprived communities.

“Our immunisation rates are at their lowest since 2009 with overall coverage at two years now at 83%. Even more concerning is the much lower coverage for Māori children at 69%, Pacific children at 81%, and 75% for children living in the most deprived neighbourhoods. These levels are far below the 95% target level needed to maintain measles elimination.”

Measles is not endemic in New Zealand so Baker said an outbreak would only be caused when infected travellers arrive from overseas.

Lutui said Pacific providers are doing their bit to make the vaccination accessible.

“[For] those who can't get to the GP during the week, there are pop-ups during the weekends where we're trying to reach our community and make it easier for them.

“They’re out there in your communities, the markets, offering vaccinations and catchups. Some pharmacies now are also participating in doing some of the vaccinations.”

Watch the full interview on PMN Tonga: